Delhi High Court asks Delhi government to decide on plea for internet facilities in Delhi courts

The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Delhi government to examine a plea to introduce proper internet facilities in all courts of the national capital [Arpit Bhargava v GNCT of Delhi]..Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the order while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) petition which had highlighted the need for seamless internet facilities in courts across Delhi. .The Court has asked the Delhi government to treat the PIL as a representation and to pass a speaking order in the matter within eight weeks. .The petition had been filed by a practising lawyer named Arpit Bharagava.He argued that there is an immediate need to provide seamless internet connectivity in courts across Delhi in order to ensure access to justice and virtual hearings within court premises to lawyers, litigants and the public at large.The petition stated that most of the courts in Delhi do not have Wi-Fi facility and that even the mobile internet connectivity in the court premises were patchy, forcing the lawyers and litigants to run from pillar to post to access the virtual-conference link or to even access their emails or e-filing.“The entire legal fraternity is facing the similar issue where upon reaching any district court physically, it is almost impossible to find a suitable place having proper internet connection to attend VC hearing in some other court thereby rendering the entire purpose of VC hearing ineffective. Due to such non-existent internet connectivity in court premises across Delhi, lawyers find it extremely difficult to even access their E-mails or do any E-filing from the court premises thereby rendering the entire exercise futile,” the plea said.Bhargava argued that the government is aware of the non-existent internet connectivity in courts across Delhi but no action has been taken by it, leaving the public to fend for themselves.“Due to negligence and non-action on the part of Respondent and/or its various departments, the corridors of courts have become completely inaccessible and one cannot achieve the intended purpose including access to VC hearings, E-mails, E-filing portal etc. from any court premises in Delhi,” the plea said..It added that while the government has made tall claims that all of Delhi would be wi-fi enabled, it has done little to ensure proper internet connectivity in Delhi courts, which has led to obstructions in the smooth administration of justice. “In fact, Wi-Fi service which was available in a very restricted manner in certain markets, malls etc. is lying defunct for more than a year as Respondent has not renewed the contract. As per a news report, the services are unlikely to be renewed due to lack of funds with the Respondent," the plea added.